F1: Teams demand return to 2015 qualifying format
All 11 Formula 1 teams have joined forces and written a letter to the sport's ruling hierarchy expressing a desire to return to last year's qualifying format.
It is confirmation the aggregate qualifying system that had been proposed at a meeting in Bahrain on Sunday between the teams, Todt, Ecclestone and Pirelli motorsport director Paul Hembery has been unanimously rejected.
The move is part of a heavily political battle being waged on what has become a divisive topic between the teams in one corner, and the FIA and Ecclestone in the other.
Todt and Ecclestone are of the opinion there is no going back to the format used from 2006-'15, and have so far refused to put it back on the table to be voted upon. They are of the belief that as the teams voted for the current knockout scheme, they either have to live with it or come up with an alternative recommendation.
The teams are at least not alone in their dismissal of the format, as drivers and fans have also voiced their opposition in recent days.
The compromise idea would have seen the two best lap times combined to make up an aggregate, and would have applied to all of Q1, Q2 and Q3. Aggregate qualifying was last used in 2005, with one lap conducted on low fuel on Saturday, and the other on Sunday with a race-fuel load, which only lasted six races.
At this stage, with two deeply entrenched positions on both sides, it appears elimination qualifying will be in place for the Chinese Grand Prix, unless one side or the other makes a late shift in position.
It is believed one other option for modification of the current structure is available – although there is no clarity as to how it should proceed if it stays in place.
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